Texans vs Browns: how to watch, betting preview & predictions for Wild Card weekend

Texans vs Browns: The NFL playoffs are finally here. Wild Card weekend sees a flurry of fiery matches taking place, with the Texans and Browns kicking things off. Can Joe Flacco go on a Nick Foles-esque run to miraculously win another Super Bowl, or will the red-hot Texans stop him in his tracks?

If you’re looking to bet on Saturday’s action, you’ve come to the right place.

Texans vs Browns: NFL Wild Card Game Info

Date: Saturday, January 13th
Time: 4:25 PM ET
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
TV channel: NBC

Texans vs Browns: NFL Wild Card Betting info

Spread: Cleveland Browns -2.5 | Houston Texans +2.5
Moneyline: Cleveland Browns -135 | Houston Texans +104
Total: Over/Under 44.5

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Texans vs Browns: NFL Wild Card Betting preview

The Houston Texans stunned the world by winning the AFC South thanks to a clutch performance against the Colts. It’s a testament to the incredible work of DeMeco Ryans and his coaching staff, and they have no intent on stopping here.

The Browns have also become NFL darlings as of late. Down to bare bones at quarterback, Joe Flacco walked into the Dawg Pound and never looked back. Although they did lose in week 18, they rode a 4 game-winning streak up to that point to cement their spot in the postseason.

What might have an impact on this game is what happened when these teams met only a month ago. Joe Flacco helped push the Browns to a 36-22 win over the Texans, although Houston was without its young starlet C.J Stroud. He will be playing this weekend and is bound to be seeking revenge against a Cleveland team riding a wave of confidence.

On paper, the Texans are the better team offensively. Their 7th-ranked passing offense dwarfs Cleveland’s resurgence. But on defense, Cleveland ranks 2nd in opposing yards per play allowed, with the Texans lagging in 15th.

Joe Flacco might just be the wild card here. C.J Stroud has never been to the NFL playoffs before, while Flacco is a Super Bowl MVP and has been to this dance on many occasions, sporting a 10-5 playoff record. If Stroud can step up in the spotlight, then look out. But with the way this Browns team is playing, it’s going to be a real coin-flip between the two.

Texans vs Browns: NFL Wild Card Betting pick

As much as I would love the Texans to go through to the next round, my heart tells me that experience prevails. Joe Flacco’s wealth of postseason success will be invaluable to a Browns team that’s built for a dominant run in the cold winter months.